Premier Collector #7: Martins and More

Name: Bob KroppYears played: 35Home turf: FloridaCurrent/former bands: Back Alley RoseFirst guitar: An old Ensenada flat top 6 stringFavorite guitar: The one in my hands at the momentFavorite amp: The only one I own: MarshallFavorite effect: Slow phase shiftFavorite strings: Martins and Ernie BallsFavorite cable: Monster

"Not a grand collection in comparison to many, but I managed to select
instruments that I found to be exceptional in their action and quality.
I''ve been playing acoustic since 1973, at age 20, and picked up
electric in the last three years for the love of instrument and the
challenge of something new... [My guitars] are all works of art, and I
strive each day to play them as they were intended to be played and
beyond."

"There was a period in my life when I put the instrument down
and did not pick it up for more than three cords for several years.
When my Dad passed away he left me the Martin D12-28 and I thought that an instrument of that caliber was not meant to be a
corner dust collector. I started playing again and as a result, picked up
the interest to play electric guitar and learn a new and deeper
appreciation for the instrument. I’m not a natural, but I do play by
ear and find great delight when moving past the plateaus we all seem to
level off at sometimes."

What’s your philosophy on tone? "I
think it’s the latest buzz word that everyone loves to repeat. It used
to be called “a sound” like ELP, Yes and The Moody Blues produced a
“Wall of Sound,” but I suppose “tone” narrows it down to the tonal
elements produced by an electric guitar which is created and sought
within it’s unique characteristic by accomplished guitar musicians; as
distinguished by in its unique clarity to identify with that particular
artist."